Russia responded by saying that the cooperation between Moscow Pyongyang was in accordance with international law, and not against South Korea’s interests.
The South Korean foreign ministry summoned Russia’s ambassador to Seoul on October 21 to protest the alleged sending of North Korean soldiers to Russia to be used in the war against Ukraine.
Ukraine’s intelligence reports that thousands of North Korean soldiers are currently undergoing training in Russia. They will be ready to battle alongside Russian forces on 1 November. There is no evidence to confirm that they have engaged in combat with Ukrainian forces. These reports have caused concern in the US and other Western nations, who see them as a dangerous escalation. This militarized, authoritarian neighbor’s emboldened move poses a particular threat to South Korea.
Reuters reports that South Korea’s first Vice Foreign Minister, Kim Hong-kyun called on the Russian Ambassador Georgy Zinoviev to urge an immediate withdrawal of North Korean troops from Russia.
Kim claimed that the participation of North Korean forces in the Ukraine war was a violation of UN resolutions and UN charter and posed serious threats to South Korea’s security.
He said that South Korea will respond with the international community, mobilizing all means available to combat acts that threaten their core security interests.
The Russian embassy reported Zinoviev telling Kim that Moscow and Pyongyang’s cooperation was in accordance with international law and did not aim to harm South Korea’s interests.
Last week, South Korea’s spy agency reported that North Korea had sent 1,500 special forces troops into Russia’s Far East to train and acclimatize at local military bases. These troops are likely to be deployed to Ukraine to fight.
The United States said on Friday that it could not confirm the reports of North Korean soldiers fighting, but said if true it would be “a dangerous development” in Russia’s war against Ukraine. The South Korean defense ministry confirmed that it had consulted Washington prior to the spy agency’s report and condemned North Korea for its alleged illegal involvement.
Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, expressed his hope that all parties will work together to deescalate this situation.
In June, Russia reaffirmed its partnership with North Korea by signing a pact of mutual defense, aligning themselves against Western influence. The agreement emphasizes the importance of military cooperation, including possible weapons exchanges and support.
Mike Turner, the US House Intelligence Chairman, warned that North Korean troops fighting with Russia in Ukraine must be “a red line” to the US. This could prompt a stronger American reaction.
Keir Starmer, British Prime Minister, criticized Russia’s dependence on North Korean troops for the war. He called it a sign that Moscow is growing more desperate.
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